The Peanut Allergy Problem

More than 3 million people in America have a peanut allergy which translates into 1 out of every 90 people or 1.10% of the population. The peanut allergy problem continues to grow.

Peanuts are a dietary protein that?s very cheap and generally in its purest form is peanut butter. Yet it has become one of the most common foods for allergies. Unfortunately peanuts are finding there way into many different foods and trace amounts are also entering the food chain from varying angles which is making the peanut allergy problem worse.

Because of the seriousness of these allergies foods are not warning that trace amount of peanuts may be in the product while other products are going for the market based on the peanut allergy problem and proudly announcing there are no peanuts in their products so relax and enjoy.

Anaphylactic shock is one allergic reaction. It can move rapidly becoming fatal in just a couple of minutes. It requires epinephrine as the earliest signs. Symptoms include apprehension, flushing, hives, swollen mouth, eyes, or tongue, itching, tightness in the throat and chest, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, sudden fatigue, chills, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and on the most serious end loss of consciousness and death. The personal allergy problem should not be ignored.

So with the peanut allergy problem being such a problem how come so many still get caught. Sometimes it is a result of incomplete labeling of the packaging, it can also be ignorance of food allergies at schools or restaurants. Some medications can actually cause a peanut reaction, and traces of peanuts aren?t always marked on packages.

Although things are improving the peanut allergy problem is enhanced because often food labels aren?t carefully read. As consumers we are also not trained to question the contents our food where it is prepared and does not have label packaging such as in restaurant take out. Sharing utensils can even be dangerous to someone with a peanut allergy. And taste testing just a tiny bit can be deadly.

The peanut allergy problem also has an identity issue. Many are not aware that just trace elements can kill. We also have a tendency to minimize or deny the allergy even if we have recognized previous symptoms. Failure to tell someone when an allergic reaction is occurring is also a big problem and the biggest problem is not wearing a medical bracelet that warns of a peanut allergy.

The peanut allergy problem has sees a great deal of failure in the treatment end. Many peanut allergy sufferers do not carry epinephrine sold as Epi-Pen?, Ana-Kit ?. They should have it on them at all times and they do not. And of those that carry it on them many do not use it faster enough. They also do not carry two epinephrine doses on them and they should because the second one is often required. Lastly failure for the individual to be taken to hospital can cause death.

Lifestyle changes, better awareness, better packaging, better training in dealing with a reaction, and faster medical intervention are all ways that will help reduce the peanut allergy problem.

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Peanut Allergy pages

Acupuncture With a Modern Twist

Acupuncture is thought of as an ancient Chinese practice and rightly so. Recent trends have resulted in a new modern twist on this ancient practice.

Modern technology is impacting virtually every area of our life and so it is no surprise to learn that it has reached the ancient practice of acupuncture. Laser acupuncture is a relatively new addition to this timeless healing art. A concentrated light beam can penetrate into the skin for a certain distance without burning or harming the skin. This allows the beam to stimulate certain acupuncture body points. This stimulation is not exactly the same as the stimulation of a needle, but it does trigger reactions in the points.

The practice is still considered to be in an investigational type of treatment, and in that status no claims of cures are permitted in the United States. The procedure is not being viewed as a replacement for the use of needles in acupuncture treatments. The idea is that the lasers will be used as just one of the tools in the overall regime of treatment offered by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The other tools such as herbal concoctions, acupressure, moxibustion, and advice on lifestyle choices will continue to be applied in a complete treatment package.

Currently, this new approach is limited by the strength of the beam itself. The normal range used is between 5 and 500 mW of power. When the level goes over 500, there is a possibility of burning the skin. This power level limits the depth of the beam and therefore its ability to stimulate the acupuncture point.

The process is so new and is being used in a practice that has taken centuries of study and trial and error to perfect. It is not unexpected that much experimentation and clinical studies are being done to attempt to understand the benefits and limitations of this modern twist on acupuncture. The beams can also be used only in certain areas. For example, points on the foot can be stimulated except for the points on the heel. The beam of light can not attain enough depth here to stimulate the point.

This new form of acupuncture is a technical change in the practice of acupuncture that will take some time to completely understand. Its use does say something about attitude of professional acupuncturists. While many view acupuncture as a foreign and very culturally different type of activity, the idea of a new approach shows that acupuncture is actually very much like any other body of knowledge. It is constantly seeking to improve. The great body of knowledge that is contained in the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine has always been growing and evolving.

Get more acupuncture information at AlternativeHealthCompanies.com.

Suffering From Asthma Allergy At Night

If you are suffering from asthma that wakes you up at night, this can be due to allergies. An asthma allergy would be caused by triggers in your bedroom that will affect you while you are sleeping.

The reason why some people are more prone to asthma while they are sleeping has to do with the position their body is in. More specifically, the horizontal position decreases the negative pressure on the lungs, leading to those susceptible to asthma to have an attack.

Developing an asthma allergy at night is different for everyone. It will most often be seen in children, who have been put to bed recently by their parents. In adults, an asthma allergy at night might start with coughing and waking up suddenly.

If you asthma is due to an allergy, it is recommended that you thoroughly clean your house, especially your bedroom from top to bottom. This is necessary to remove as much dust and debris from your house that might be triggering an asthma attack.

In your bedroom, remove all the old bed linen and wash them thoroughly. If the mattress is old, replace it because it might contain dust mites, which can trigger an asthma allergy attack. All of the pillows should be replaced as well. If you cannot afford to have a new mattress, you can opt to have it and your pillows cleaned. The same should be done for all curtains, and carpet within your bedroom. When the room is fully clean, you should stand a better chance at preventing an asthma allergy.

C Dietzig is co owner of asthmatreatment.first-results.com where they discuss asthma treatment and how to live a normal productive life with asthma.

Self Help for Your Dust Allergy Symptoms

Self Help for Dust Allergies

About one person in ten suffers from an allergy to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic creatures of the arachnid family which also includes spiders and scorpions. Dust mites burrow deep into fibrous objects, such as clothing and carpeting. This makes it difficult to remove them by cleaning or vacuuming.

The World of Dust Mites

Dust mites thrive in indoor living spaces. They like temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees and the humidity levels of about 75%. Dust mites feed on shed scales from human skin, which is commonly found in carpeting, bedding, etc.

Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies

People are not allergic to dust mites themselves, but rather to their fecal matter and decaying body parts. These mite waste products continue to cause allergic reactions long after the mite that produced them has died. Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, clogged and itchy ear canals, and other respiratory problems are the most common symptoms. Symptoms are often worst at night because dust mites thrive in blankets, pillows and other bedding materials. A little bit of tossing and turning is all is takes to make some of the allergens airborne.

Asthmatic people often have an especially difficult time with dust mites. Respiratory congestion, wheezing, and severe shortness of breathmay occur. Anyone suffering these symptoms should be treated by a licensed physician or asthma specialist.

Self Help for Dust Allergies

Reducing your exposure to dust mites will help to alleviate your symptoms. Here are some effective methods:

- Vacuums equipped with special filtering systems help to reduce the amount of allergens in your home or office.

- Dust mites live in areas with high concentrations of dust and debris. A cleaner house means fewer dust mites.

- Focus on your bedroom. You probably spent one-third or more of your time there and it is often the room with the most dust mites.

- Encase your box spring, mattress, and pillows in dust proof covers. An average bed can contain as many as ten million dust mites! Yikes!

- Use polyester fiberfill pillows instead of kapok or feather pillows.

- Use window shades instead of curtains or venetian blinds (both are dust magnets).

- Wash blankets in hot water. Do not use wool or down blankets.

- Avoid dust collecting knickkancks such as wall pennants, macrame hangings, throw pillows, and stuffed animals. Furniture should be wood, leather, plastic or metal--as upholstered furniture tends to trap dust and become a site for dust mites to grow.

- Use hard wood or linoleum floors in place of carpeting. Dust mites love carpeting because it keeps them and well fed with human skin cells and fingernail residue.

- Adjust the climate in your home. Use a dehumidifier and turn down the thermostat. Dust mites don't survive for long when the humidity below drops below 55 percent. Dust mites don't drink water like we do, they absorb it from the air through their skin. If it is too dry they will die of thirst.

- Use specially designed filtration systems for furnaces and air conditioning units. These filters capture airborne allergens. It is also a good idea to place a cheesecloth screen over your bedroom heating vents to minimize dust coming from a forced air style heating system.

Michael has published many free articles on Allergy Symptoms including Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and Wheat Allergy Symptoms

Steps for Allergy Prevention

The most effective, least expensive, and healthiest treatment for allergies is always avoidance, yet many people will choose medications and vaccinations, despite their dangers and drawbacks. There are many methods to help with avoidance. Using any of these methods is helpful in treating your allergies.

If you think you must strip your house down to bare floors, bare walls, and plastic covers on your furniture, you are wrong. For instance, if you have asthma or allergic reactions to molds or dust mites, there are some simple measures you can take. Keep your home at a consistent cool temperature between 68 and 72 degrees and keep humidity at a minimum. Always make certain there is good ventilation.

Since people spend one-third of their lives in their bedroom, it is a good idea to place the most emphasis on decreasing the possibility of dust in the bedroom. The best way to do this is to wash your bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees to completely kill the dust mites found there. (Make sure you choose bedding that can withstand the harshness of weekly hot-water washings.) Dust mites can become airborne during bedding changes. Allergic persons should not be present.

If you must use carpeting (wood, tile, and linoleum floors are best), then it must be cleaned thoroughly and frequently; the same rule applies to upholstered furniture, draperies and any other items than cannot be removed and washed. Make sure the person who is allergic does NOT do the vacuuming as the dust mites can become airborne and redistribute themselves.

The vacuum cleaner bag acts as the filter in most vacuum cleaning systems. Replacing the standard bag with a high-filtration bag and an exhaust filter are economical ways to update an older vacuum cleaner and helps prevent the dust mites from escaping and becoming airborne during the vacuuming process.

There are more expensive vacuums available with built-in HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and a removable canister that can be washed. This system eliminates the problem with vacuum bags. As the older generation of vacuums is phased out, this development should be quite helpful in allergy control.

DUST CLEANING TIPS

*Purchase a good air purifier. Air purifiers literally purify the air and are very beneficial for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

*Remove carpeting and install wood, tile, or linoleum flooring. Hard surfaces can eliminate ninety percent of dust mites.

*Minimize throw rugs; they are dust-catchers. If you must have them, they need to be washed in hot water once a week.

*Avoid open bookshelves; they are great dust-catchers.

*Keep all clothes in closed drawers or closets.

*Remove clutter. Place hard-to-clean items in closed drawers or cabinets.

*Install central air conditioning or window units. Keep windows closed, especially during periods of high pollen counts and windy conditions.

*Use washable cotton or synthetic blankets. Use easily laundered cotton bedspreads or coverlets. Avoid materials that have nooks and crannies where dust mites can collect.

*Your upholstered furniture is a prime allergen trapper. If you cannot purchase wood or vinyl furniture, put washable slipcovers on your furniture and wash once a week in hot water.

*Install window shades made from cotton or synthetics and use washable cotton curtains. Avoid mini-blinds and heavy draperies, both are very heavy dust-catchers.

*Do not use pillows made from feathers or foam rubber; moisture can become trapped, promoting mold.

MOLD CLEANING TIPS

*Wash shower curtains at least once a month in hot water and bleach.

*Keep the humidity level at a minimum inside your home.

*Always make sure there is proper ventilation.

*Never carpet the bathroom.

*Keep your refrigerator clean. Remove spoiled food promptly.

*Dry your shoes and boots before putting in closet.

If you or any member of your family suffers from allergies, follow the guidelines listed above to help keep your home as allergen-free as possible. If you are still suffering from allergy symptoms, see your doctor. He/she may have additional suggestions for allergy-proofing your home.

Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.

The Expert: Allergy Q & A with Dr. Harold Kim

The Expert: Allergy Q & A with Dr. Harold Kim

 by: News Canada

(NC)- What is an allergy?

An allergy is a super-sensitivity to a substance that is not harmful to most other people. These substances are called allergens. The common allergens include pollen, mould, dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander. Some people also have food allergies. Some people have symptoms with strong chemical fumes, odours (including perfumes, fragrances in household cleaners and detergents), smoke and air pollution. These compounds are chemical irritants and not true allergens. The common symptoms of allergy include hay fever, asthma, eczema or food reactions.

How do I know if I have allergies?

Hay fever is the most common allergy problem in Canada. The typical symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, a dry cough and itching. Asthma is a lung condition which can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing. Eczema is a skin condition which often involves a dry itchy rash. True food allergy reactions can include hives, itchiness, shortness of breath, throat tightness, lightheadedness or stomach pain after eating the food allergen. Allergies can be a serious medical condition and you should consult your doctor if you suspect you have them. A doctor may recommend allergy scratch tests (a type of skin testing in which suspected allergens are applied to the skin, scratched and observed for a reaction in 15 minutes). Skin tests should always be done under the supervision of a qualified physician with an expertise in allergy.

How are allergies treated?

The first step in an effective allergy treatment plan is to make some simple lifestyle changes that will limit your exposure to allergens. I would suggest having allergy scratch tests done before any major lifestyle changes are made. After the allergy scratch tests you will know the likely causes of the allergy symptoms. One can avoid pollen by keeping windows closed and air conditioning on during the high-pollen seasons. Most of the mould that causes allergies is from the outdoors. Therefore, keeping the windows closed is helpful. If you notice mould in the house it should be cleaned with diluted bleach. The best ways of avoiding dust mites are to purchase proper dust mite proof pillows and mattress covers, remove carpet from the bedroom, wash the bedding in hot water and to keep the humidity around 40 percent. Vacuuming and duct cleaning are actually not very effective at removing dust mites. The only way to remove pet allergens completely from the home is to keep the pet outdoors or to give the pet away. By keeping pets out of the bedroom, washing pets weekly and removing carpets from the bedroom, you can decrease your total pet allergen exposure. If you have a true food allergy, that food should be completely avoided.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which medications would help you manage your allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are the most common medications used to treat hay fever. Antihistamines block the action of histamine released by the immune system and are effective at reducing sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. They are particularly effective at relieving the symptoms of seasonal hay fever and should be taken as soon as an allergy attack develops. You may also need a decongestant to reduce nasal congestion. Some antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness and they should be avoided if you have to drive, work or perform tasks that require you to be alert. There are several websites offering good information on allergies, for example, visit www.claritin.ca.

Dr. Harold Kim is an allergy specialist based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

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Air purifiers and air filters can help the health of Allergy and Asthma sufferers.

A. Smith Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and pollen particulate matter can be a real irritant for suffers of asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. In addition to removal of all direct irritant sources and minimizing the irritant containment materials in your house, you should also consider the indoor ventilation and filtration system of home.

Environmental control is the key to reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Keeping a clean house free of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and effect on family members with respiratory difficulties. Air cleaners, filters and hepa filters can play a role in helping to control or reduce the exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens.

Several health authorities have recognized that certain types of air filtration systems can be beneficial in reducing the amount of airborne particulates in a room. The American lung association recommends using a hepa air filter purifier for the bedrooms of asthma suffers.
The Mayo clinic recommends an air particle filter for household ventilation systems. Ionic filters and hepa filters have been endorsed or recognized by the Asthma and allergy foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval.

Selecting the wrong type of filtration system could exacerbate the problem by agitating and circulating the existing particulate matter throughout your house, so it is important to do your research thoroughly. Ionic air filters do not create high airflow patterns to clean the air and simply rely on negative ion attraction to collect the airborne particulate matter. They have demonstrates to have decent capture rate of airborne allergens and irritants like pollen, dander, tobacco smoke and dust and can help improve the quality of your indoor air environment. You can read more the ionic air filtration process at:http://www.air-purifiers-review.com/ionic-air-cleaner.htm

Air filtration systems should not be considered as a solution for any respiratory condition, nor as a reason to ignore sound medical advice and guidance about the removal of irritant sources and allergen habitats from your household. They are also not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of your household environment. Selecting the right air purifier system can help complement and enhance your efforts to reducing airborne particulate matters, as well as maintain a healthier indoor breathing environment.

Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and pollen particulate matter can be a real irritant for suffers of asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. In addition to removal of all direct irritant sources and minimizing the irritant containment materials in your house, you should also consider the indoor ventilation and filtration system of home.

Environmental control is the key to reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Keeping a clean house free of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and effect on family members with respiratory difficulties. Air cleaners, filters and hepa filters can play a role in helping to control or reduce the exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens.

Several health authorities have recognized that certain types of air filtration systems can be beneficial in reducing the amount of airborne particulates in a room. The American lung association recommends using a hepa air filter purifier for the bedrooms of asthma suffers.
The Mayo clinic recommends an air particle filter for household ventilation systems. Ionic filters and hepa filters have been endorsed or recognized by the Asthma and allergy foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval.

Selecting the wrong type of filtration system could exacerbate the problem by agitating and circulating the existing particulate matter throughout your house, so it is important to do your research thoroughly. Ionic air filters do not create high airflow patterns to clean the air and simply rely on negative ion attraction to collect the airborne particulate matter. They have demonstrates to have decent capture rate of airborne allergens and irritants like pollen, dander, tobacco smoke and dust and can help improve the quality of your indoor air environment. You can read more the ionic air filtration process at:http://www.air-purifiers-review.com/ionic-air-cleaner.htm

Air filtration systems should not be considered as a solution for any respiratory condition, nor as a reason to ignore sound medical advice and guidance about the removal of irritant sources and allergen habitats from your household. They are also not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of your household environment. Selecting the right air purifier system can help complement and enhance your efforts to reducing airborne particulate matters, as well as maintain a healthier indoor breathing environment.

S.A. Smith is a freelance editor, writer, and contributor to the Air Purifiers Review resource site, and can be reached at http://www.air-purifiers-review.com